MSU men's basketball report

Limiting Lemon

Walt Lemon Jr. scored 20 points, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give Bradley a 69-66 victory over Missouri State earlier this season in Peoria, Ill. The Bears were determined to do a better job defending him in Saturday's rematch.

"We didn't let them get penetration and we trapped ball screens," said MSU's Marcus Marshall, who had primary duty on Lemon. "I think that really helped us. Last game he had 20 and was getting into the lane at will. I think we were able to hold him in check tonight."

Lemon scored 9 of his 13 points in the final 3:30 of the first half. He went 4-for-11 from the field and had five turnovers.

Bank is open

Anthony Downing was struggling on his senior night, 0-for-6 from the field in the first half with two points. But he banked in a 3-pointer from the corner - which Bradley coach Geno Ford pointed out is quite difficult to do from that angle - early in the second half.

"He claims that he meant to do that," coach Paul Lusk said with a laugh. "It's senior night and we'll let him do whatever. But that got him going."

Downing made 5 of 8 shots in the second half and finished with 15 points to go with four rebounds and 3 assists.

Williams sits

Bears freshman guard Dorrian Williams sat out with a sore knee and Lusk said his availability for the MVC Tournament is uncertain. Williams tweaked the knee Feb. 23 at Eastern Michigan and played Wednesday at Illinois State before coming down with more soreness in practice on Friday.

By the numbers

MSU clinched its 42nd straight winning home record, a mark that was in peril as the Bears were 7-7 at home coming into the game. ? During its Division I era, Missouri State is 28-3 on senior night, including a 4-1 record in JQH Arena. The loss came a year ago to Indiana State. ? Christian Kirk, with 15 points, was one off his career high from earlier in the season against South Carolina.